Pelosi Statement on the Introduction of H.R. 51, The Washington, D.C. Admission Act

“The right to vote and to equal representation is the foundation of our freedom and a core pillar of our democracy. For too long, the residents of the District of Columbia have served our nation in uniform, paid taxes and contributed to the economic power and success of our country while being denied the full enfranchisement that is their right. Congresswoman Eleanor Homes-Norton has been a tireless voice on this important issue, and her introduction of H.R. 51, The Washington, D.C. Admission Act, is a critical step in righting this historic wrong. Chairman Elijah Cummings is also to be commended for his leadership in bringing this important legislation before the Committee on Oversight and Reform to ensure H.R. 51 receives the consideration it deserves.

“Yet, for Americans across the country, the sacred right to vote has faced a cruel, relentless assault from the GOP’s mass disenfranchisement agenda, which disproportionately impacts communities of color and working families who already face suppression of their voices. These relentless, brazen efforts to turn back the clock and erect barriers to the ballot box is an affront to our Constitution and our values.

“Democrats will restore every American’s right to be heard at the ballot box. Whether they are citizens of our nation’s capital or live in historically marginalized communities across the country, Democrats are working to pass bold, ambitious legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act, finally grant full voting rights and statehood to the District of Columbia and bring back integrity to Washington to ensure our government works everyone.”

Rep. Wasserman Schultz is standing up to President Trump's theft of military construction resources